Friday, January 31, 2014

Synopsis

I am a slut. No worries. I've come to terms with it, and you will too. I’m not one of those girls who thinks she’s too plain, too fat, too skinny, too shy … no, I don’t have that kind of luck. I’m the girl who knows she’s just right for everyone. — Denver

A reputation as a manwhore–with–a–heart–of–gold tends to precede me. But, I don’t do girls with issues, that is until this girl. It's this girl I want to fix. This girl I want to protect. And maybe … more. — Ransom

Being in love with the same girl your entire life isn't all it's cracked up to be. She uses me in every way imaginable. How does she see me? I am her perpetual one-night stand. No strings, no attachments. Just mind-numbing sex ... for her anyway. — Greer

Feeling like the life is being choked out of her in the small town of Anaconda, Montana, Denver Dempsey craves the escape that college offers … even if that means leaving her “best friend with benefits” and looking for a new way to forget. Thinking she's found the perfect hookup in Ransom, Denver's outlook on college is bright. That is, until Greer shows up looking for a second chance, and Ransom's interest turns to hatred.

Once I started reading this book, I had a very hard time putting it down. It is told in the POV of Denver and Ransom, but there is a third character, Greer, that is a very big part of the story. Through much of the book I am so rooting for Greer and wishing Ransom would get out of the picture. Then around 75% everything changed.

Denver is so very broken but also very strong at the same time. Her mother is a golddigger who cares more about her current husband (she is on her 7th) then she cares about her own daughter and she has a reputation for being a whore. Denver's father left after her mother destroyed him and now he doesn't want much to do with her because he says that they are just alike and he sees her as a reminder of the women that ruined him.

... real love is a learned behavior, and I've never had anyone teach me. My mother's version of love is that it's a tool wielded to get you what you want, and once that's acquired, you set your sights on the next objective, and repeat. If that's not enough, my dad taught me that when you let love in, it destroys you and spoils everything good about you. - Denver

Greer, lives next door and is Denver's saving grace and best friend. They spend as much time together as possible. When they are 16 a mutual attraction starts and they begin to kindle a romance. He has always loved Denver and wants to make her his wife one day and wants their first time to be on their wedding night.

Do you have any idea how many times I've dreamt of taking you? But every single time I do, you're surrounded by clouds of white lace and rose petals. We're laughing, and we're happy. I've always wanted to make you mine, but not until the day you become my wife. - Greer

But then everything changes, and Denver's life turns upside down.

A few weeks before our magical summer would come to an end, my world shattered. And I used the broken shards from the wreckage to carve up my life until it was virtually unrecognizable. - Denver

When they go off to college, Denver finds herself undeniably attracted to Ransom. Although she keeps telling herself that she should be with Greer, even though they are just "friends", she loves Greer but she is not in love with him. Too much has happened.

Denver is so full of self-hate that she can't see anything else. She calls herself a slut even though she has only ever been with Greer. When people talk about her and calls her a slut based on untrue rumors, she doesn't try to defend herself, she just says, 'yup, I am a slut and I like it'.

Although Ransom has a reputation for being a man-whore, he does not like sluts, and it infuriates him that he wants her so bad, but he stays away because he has 'rules' about women. But when he finds Denver crying and broken under a stairway, he can't keep himself from helping her.

I tell myself I'm standing over her and looking down on her to make sure she's sleeping peacefully, but I call bullshit on myself. I don't make it a habit of lying to myself, ever. I'm staring at her because she is beautiful and hurting and... just so damn loveable. I tried to fight that after I learned all that shit about her, but it was too fucking late. And it didn't change a damn thing for me. Lord knows I'd tried. If anything, my feelings have intensified, knowing that she's a hell of a lot stronger than I'd ever imagined. - Ransom

The ending - wow I did not see that coming! All I can say is book 2 should be VERY interesting! It isn't a HEA, but it isn't really a cliffhanger either. The book ends but the story is in no way over.

5 Stars!!

Buy the Book

About the Author

Since the dawn of time, Lynetta Halat has lived to read and has written innumerable stories and plays. A lover of good books, bad boys, and kickass tunes, she'd always dreamt of penning books that people could connect with and remember. She also has a secret penchant for wringing the emotions out of unsuspecting readers, and she collects reader's tears in much the same way that wine connoisseurs collect their favorite vintage.

Her first novel, Every Rose, was the perfect catalyst to launch her into the world of publishing, effectively burrowing her way into the hearts and minds of readers throughout the world. Everything I've Never Had was her follow-up adult romance novel. Now, she has penned Used, a New Adult Romance that she hopes sinks its teeth into you and doesn't let go.

Her love of the English language prompted her to pursue a Master's degree in English from Old Dominion University in Virginia, where she also minored in snark and interpretive dance. She lives somewhere along the Mississippi Gulf Coast with her adorable husband, two amazing sons, and two loveable dogs. When she's not writing riveting stories, she likes to focus on her macramé art and her scouring of eBay, where she buys locks of hair from her favorite rock stars, most especially Bret Michaels and Dave Grohl.

Leaving her lying, cheating fiancé was easy. Immediately finding a new living situation, not so much. When Sara Bradley’s best friend, Lisa, offers her a not so perfect solution. She could move in with Lisa’s brother, Nick. Sara doesn’t think that’s the best idea, but if it’s only just temporary, she’s willing to try. When Sara’s mother comes to town to pay her a surprise visit, excited to meet Sara’s boyfriend, the one she just dumped, she knows she’ll never live down her awful track record with men. Nick Moreno likes living alone, but when his baby sister calls him and asks him to help out a friend of hers, he can’t say no. His brother, Jake, is immediately smitten by his new roommate. When Nick and Jake tag along to help Sara deal with her mother’s unexpected visit, Jake creates havoc, as only he can do. Jake convinces Nick and Sara to pretend to be engaged just to get through the visit. How hard could it be? They’re already living together. Nick grudgingly agrees. After all, what could possibly go wrong? Pursued by one brother, and completely confused by the other, what’s a girl with a pretend fiancé and real feelings to do? Book One in the Moreno Trilogy

Elle says...

Fiancé for Hire by S.K. Weathers is the perfect blend of romance, humor, and just the right amount of drama. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish and highly recommend it to any reader looking for a lighthearted read that ends in happily ever after.

Sara Bradley is fed up with her lying, cheating fiancé and vows to get a fresh start. The problem is, she has nowhere to live and one obstacle after another is standing in her way. Fate cuts her a break when her friend, Lisa arranges for Sara to move in with her brother, Nick Moreno. Through her new living situation, Sara finds herself in the middle of a Moreno brother sandwich. Torn between the guarded brother she lives with, Nick, and Jake, the brother who has shown interest in her since they met.

I found this story to be fun and truly enjoyable. S.K. Weathers wasted no time diving headfirst into the drama and exposing Sara’s fiancé’s deceit. The plot was entertaining and an overall feel-good read. I loved Sara’s wit and sass. I think she’s a character everyone can love and relate to. The dynamic between Sara and the two Moreno men was interesting to read. Nick and Jake are completely opposite of each other and are both swoon-worthy matches for the leading lady. I went back and forth as to which team I was on, but in the end I was happy with how everything played out.

I cannot wait to see how the Moreno Trilogy plays out in the next two books. If you’re looking for a quick and heartwarming read, Fiancé for Hire by S.K. Weathers is perfect!

S.K. Weathers was born in Colorado, but grew up an Army Brat. Having lived in Texas, California, and Utah, her family moved back to Colorado when she was in 6th grade. Growing up, she was painfully shy and had a hard time with moving constantly and making friends. She read quite a bit when she was younger and her love of reading only increased over time. In grade school she would write for fun, and then in high school she wrote several uncompleted works. Writing was a creative outlet for her during stressful times in her life. Then one day she stumbled upon a fanfiction site where everyday people would write stories about their favorite literary, television and movie characters. She published several short stories and the feedback she received was positive enough she went back to works she had never finished and revisited them. After urging from a couple of friends she decided to take the plunge and self-publish. Fiancé for Hire is her first published work. She has a day job, but hopes that one day she will be able to write full time.

Sarah Fowler has spent her life accepting mediocrity. Being a plus-sized girl with only average looks, her self esteem leaves a lot to be desired.

When the most perfect male God has ever created approaches her, Sarah battles with herself, wanting desperately to believe her fairy tale is coming true. Will she be able to accept his advances as genuine? Will she step out of her private, comfortable world and allow herself to be vulnerable to him?

Dane McAllister is a heart-throb of a man who has his own demons. Having a rocky past, he has all but sworn off women. But when he sees Sarah, his world begins to turn again. There's something about her that draws him in.

Will Dane be able to truly overcome his past and be the man Sarah longs for, or will he deepen her lifelong wounds?

Every relationship changes you, some for the better, others can shatter your confidence and almost destroy you.

For the musically talented, twenty-four year old Tara O’Connell, her relationship with Stephen almost broke her, until Tara found the strength to leave.

Now she is on the road to discovering that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and follow your heart.

As Tara’s self-belief grows, she meets two men she is instantly drawn to who will change her life forever.

Corporal Riley Hammond is a soldier in the Australian Military Special Forces. With his smiling sapphire blue eyes, Tara falls for him instantly. He is thoughtful and caring, and gives her the support and love she needs.

While Cole Michaels is the overconfident singer in a popular local band. His charisma, emerald green eyes, tattoos and piercing, have girls falling at his feet. But while Cole pushes

Tara’s buttons, he also pushes her to reach for the stars.

Both men couldn't be more polar opposites, but both offer Tara different qualities that she needs to fulfill her destiny.

As Tara continues her journey, she will discover fate can offer you more than one path. Her fate is in her own hands, and the choices she makes, will shape her life forever.

Jamie says...

This story blew me away! And yes it was a cliffy!! Makes me wanna scream and cry! I was so engrossed with this story that it made me start to feel like it was a reality, almost like you could live this story for yourself. Which is why I have to give it a 5 star I can't do a 4.5 like a normally do when I love it and its a cliffhanger. SO yes it caught me twisted me up and spit me out... well in a good way (hahahaha!) This story will make you think how can she choose between 3 men that are all so different, and no I still don't know who I would choose!

Tara- She is a woman who was raised to be prim and proper and always be perfect at everything she did, that's why she ended up in a relationship with a very controlling man, she finally had enough and was ready to start life over. She moved out to live with her best friend. She didn't realize her life was going to get turned upside down by just going to a bar called songbirds. That is where she meets her first man Marcus he is the club owner who Tara actually thinks is gay so she doesn't hold back with him, she hugs him and kisses his cheeks and changes her clothes in front of him, but he is gay so it shouldn't matter but does it, because he isn't gay at all and falls in love with Tara. Then steps in Riley her roommates boyfriends best friend. He is the epitome of sexy man who Tara and him have wicked chemistry and they fall in love instantly but the only problem he is in the military and doesn't even live by Tara can they make it work? She knows he owns her heart but could she live a life of never seeing him but every 2 month's or so? Then you have COLE, yes secretly I think he is my favorite (hehehehe) is your typical rock star who gets what he wants and any woman he wants, but when Tara shows up at the gym he works out in things change for him, he secretly wants to know her and everything about her... when they finally meet when she shows up to see his band (not knowing he is the lead singer) he knows she is something special but she has a BF so he will just have to wait for his chance.

Riley- "I'd built up all these walls, and convinced myself I was happy on my own just focusing on my career, and then with one smile you completely turned my world upside down." He stroked my cheek. "I can't guarantee that this will be easy, in fact I know it's going to be tough at times, but I also know I don't want to be without you."

Cole- I could fell his breath on my neck as he whispered. "I'll still remember the night we met as the night that changed my life. You're my exception to every rule."

Marcus- He stepped back. "It's not just about what you want, it's about me and how I feel....about you." His voice trailed off as he spoke and he looked down at his hands and sighed. " Do you have any idea what it's like to be in love with someone for so long, and have to watch them be in love with someone else?"

This story has some crazy twists and turns and before I leave I have to say I was impressed that even though these 3 guys were all intrigued by Tara there was no cheating on Tara's part but I have a feeling things are gonna get really sticky in the second book.... You have to read this! It will make you want more like yesterday... so adding another to my most anticipated sequels of the year!!!

While Lisa Edward has
called Melbourne Australia home for her entire life, she has lived and worked
in England, and traveled through most parts of Europe and the United States.
She loves nothing more than spending time with her husband and beautiful daughter,
or curling up into the early hours of the morning with a great novel. By day,
Lisa works in the analytical IT field, so relishes the opportunity to foster
her creative side through writing. Her deep appreciation for literature was
nurtured from a young age, being taught to respect books and get lost in their
stories. She enjoys reading honest and realistic novels that are relatable,
thought provoking and leave a lasting impression. She can’t write without music
playing, using the emotions from different songs to invoke that of her
characters. Lisa takes inspiration from her own life experiences, the people
around her and those she has met in her travels.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

In the first novel of the COUNTERMEASURE SERIES, tenacious ex-CIA agent Cassandra James is in hot water. A cyber thief stole sensitive information from her father's top client - information she was supposed to keep secure - and now she could lose her job, even if she is the boss' daughter. The only person who can help her recover the stolen data is sexy NSA analyst Trevor Bauer - a computer mastermind who's broken through her personal security and might break her heart as well.

Trevor is on the hunt for answers to the mystery surrounding his parents' disappearance. Following a promising lead into the missing Bristol files, he accidentally gets on the radar of a woman too hot to handle...and a mercenary willing to do anything to keep both of them from recovering those files.

To track down the thief, Trevor and Cassandra must embark on a harrowing adventure that leads them across the ocean and into a world of intrigue, danger, and passion. But as they close in on their target, their relationship begins to boil, jeopardizing their mission as well as their very lives. Will they learn to trust their instincts - and each other - in order to survive?

Chris Almeida (also known as C. Almeida) began writing children’s stories at a very young age. Born in Brazil but currently living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Chris’ life took a totally different course when technology came into play, and the following 17 years were spent delving deep into the world of programming and web design.

It was in 2010, when Chris began role playing online as a hobby, that writing wormed its way back into the picture. This time, writing storylines for the role playing group. The ideas and plots created for the game awoke the inner writer and a few months later, together with partner in crime C. Aubrey, began writing erotic romance.

Now, still together, they have written a number of short stories and novel. They are currently working on book three of their series as well as several short stories. Through it all they have continued to enjoy role playing through their favorite characters.

Cecilia Aubrey has dabbled in writing on and off over the years. But it was in 2010, when she was offered a life changing opportunity within a role-playing group that writing placed itself front and center. The development of story ideas, research, writing, and participation in bringing those stories to life spurred a desire to take writing to a higher level.

A few months later, Cecilia and her partner in crime, Chris Almeida, began writing suspense driven erotic romance with sexy, technologically inclined men and woman filled with intrigue and enough twists and turns that makes a roller-coaster seem tame. They have several published short stories to their credit.

Their first novel, Countermeasure, was published in January 2012, and the second novel in the series, To Russia with Love, was released in July. Currently they are hard at work on the next installment.

Through all the chaos and laughter, they still hold true to their roots bringing their favorite role-play characters and stories to life.

Rachel Bennett loved her job until the day she finds herself doubting her choices. Now she's hunting for a new career, but starting over isn't easy. Her plan is simple --no distractions until she finds her dream job. She didn't plan on fate throwing her a curveball in the form of a fender bender with a sexy guy in an expensive suit.

Craig Larsen is a wealthy, successful business owner with a plan of his own: survive his current PR nightmare and stay away from his overly determined ex-girlfriend. His need for control and personal success is turned upside down when he meets Rach, a sassy redhead who can't drive.

Soon they find themselves battling with Rach's grumpy old neighbor, toilet-papering the trees of a high-school nemesis, and fighting over the last slice of pizza. Can two very different people plus one fender bender equal a chance at forever?

Rachel says...

Fender bender blues was nothing like I expected, starting with Rach, the fiesty heroine. She has a string of bad luck that seems to go from bad to worse when sexy Craig, the workaholic owner of a car dealership totals her car. In her book hes to blame for their fender bender, but according to Craig putting on "lucky lip gloss" is worse than texting. They dont get of to a great start but theyre continuously thrown together when Craigs brother and Rachs best friend become joined at the hip. Or should I say lips? Either way, Fender Bender Blues is a deeply satisfying read, it had depth, love, humor and the prefect amount of quirk.

Niecey Roy knew she wanted to be a writer from a very young age, but her moment of enlightenment came after watching the movie You’ve Got Mail. It was then she realized her place in life and happily parked her butt on writing romance. Her dream was to create sexy vixens, hunky, half naked heroes, and above all, romance; lots and lots of butterflies in the belly, breathless first kisses and happily-ever-afters.

When she’s not at her day job where she works as a legal assistant, she can be found at home at a cluttered desk, pounding her tired little fingers away on a keyboard with nothing but black pepper flavored sunflower seeds and Visine as her weapons for mass-romance-novel-creation. When her fingers need a break, you’ll find her at a table with friends, drinking a few martinis and showing off a new pair of (sometimes ridiculous) high heels. She’s usually the loudest at the table and most often the one snorting with laughter.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

But I was raised to be strong—to hold my own. Because of it, I was hurt, torn down, beaten and even had my heart snatched right out of my chest.

But I’m ready now. It’s time for me to speak up. You want to know what really goes on inside my head, well I’m right here.

Real. Raw. Intense.

This is all me. Roy Sykes. This is my story, and trust me… its far from pretty.

Jamie says...

I have read all three books in this series and loved all of them! The first 2 books in this series were about Gage and Eliza's story. Gage is the lead singer of firenine and wowsiers! He is hot! This story is about Roy and Kelsey. Roy is the lead guitarist in firenine and yes of course he is hot too! Let me tell you this is not just another hot rock n roll band book (well it is) but is more than that and should be read by all! I would definitely give these books all 4-5 stars!

She is the love of my life.

She is my hope and faith.

She is my motivation.

She is my diary.

She is my world.

She is the joy I never thought I could have again.

She is my restoration.

She is who I am.

Roy-- Lead guitarist hot as hell! He grew up poor and ended up taking care of his mom for most of his teenage years into his 20's. He sold drugs to take care of his mother and her medical bills, he wasn't proud of that but he had to do what he had to do to survive. The only thing that kept him together was his band Firenine and of course his band brothers. He fell in love with a girl that turned his world upside down and not only was she everything he wanted in a woman but she was also everything he shouldn't because she was a mob bosses daughter. Of course she proved to him that he was nothing to her but a distraction and broke Roy into pieces that he thought he would never survive. As his band gets more successful he meets Kelsey and she rocks his world more than he ever thought was possible, but mistakes will be made and pasts will surface, can they make it through all this and him being famous now on top of that?

Love is what fucked me up. Love is what literally twisted me up, tossed me around, spat me out, and destroyed me. I got so caught up with her that I didn't even see the darkness at the end of our tunnel. She was my everything, but sometimes we weren't everything the other wanted. Sometimes we weren't enough. Sometimes we give our all and nothing comes out of it. We give one-fucking-hundred percent, but in the end, we're left with zero. It wasn't supposed to end that way, and to this day, I blame myself for all the screw-ups.

Just when I thought things were looking up for me and the ones I loved, everything went to shreds. Everything I once cared for was no longer there-- nothing but my guitar and my band anyway. I guess the old man on the bus with the fedora was right. Love doesn't last, but her forgot to add something. Happiness doesn't last either.

Kelsey-- she has been lied to cheated on and will not let another man into her life that will treat her like dirt. She will live her life and steer clear of love. Until she meets Roy.... can he be her game changer? Or will his past come and destroy them? Will her past make her feel like she can't trust Roy after one mistake? Can she learn to forgive and forget?

"You promised you'd never hurt me. You promised me you'd never break my heart. You promised me you'd be nothing like Rick! You promised me lies, Roy! I gave you a chance, but you're just like him! Just fucking like him.So yes, I will strip this away from you. Men like you, who don't appreciate what they already have when they have it, doesn't deserve me. Men, who have to get drunk just to tell me the truth, don't deserve me. You could've come clean to me the first day you saw her-- at the party. But you didn't. You decided to lie and keep it to yourself. I don't need to bring another liar into my life." I swallow hard, tears blinding me. " Roy I--I trusted you. You told me I could trust you. I thought you'd be different."

"You don't have to compete, Kells. You mean so much to me. It doesn't matter that she was my first love. I'm over that. You're my final love, You're my world now." "I love you.... so much, Kelsey, I'll leave because I know you're upset. I know I pissed you off... broke your heart. I know I lied to you, and I promised you I never would, but if you think for a second that I won't fight my hardest to win you back and make you mine all over again, you're wrong. I refuse to lose you. Do you understand me?"

You have go to pick up these books asap! And yes there will be more I mean there is still the drummer and the bassist RIGHT!!! Loved IT!! Can't wait for more!!

New York Times & USA Today Best Selling author Shanora Williams considers herself one of the wondrous, down-to-earth authors who's all about romance and the paranormal... but of course she always makes room for the many other genres out there. She was born and raised in North Carolina but plans on taking trips all around the world as she grows in age.

She's a huge lover of Starbucks and a big kid when it comes to Haribo Gummy Bears. If she could swim in Coca-Cola she would. She's a very avid reader and a fan of many other independent authors.